Knights of the Garter

Published23rd April 2015

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The Order of the Garter was the most prestigious order of chivalry at the English court. It was limited in number – there could only be the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales and twenty-four companions at any time. In earlier periods, there were Ladies of the Garter, but Lady Margaret Beaufort, installed in 1488 was the last lady to be so honoured until Queen Alexandra. Mary I and Elizabeth I were Sovereigns of the Order. Queen Mary appointed her husband, Philip of Spain, as Joint Sovereign.

When a vacancy arose, the members could put forward their nominations, and the King, as head of the Order, would make the appointment. Doubtless, the nominations were made with the King’s pleasure in mind and the nomination of Nicholas Carew, in 1536 was seen as a snub to Anne Boleyn – a supporter of her rival, Jane Seymour, he took the only vacant stall, despite Queen Anne’s brother, George Boleyn, having been nominated.

The new knight, following the appropriate ceremonies, would be installed at a ceremony in Windsor, where the Chapel of the Order was (and still is) situated. It was called installation, as each Knight has his own stall in the chapel, with his banner and arms. If a Knight were found guilty of treason or other unknightly behaviour, he would be “degraded”. Frequently, the order was bestowed on foreign rulers, who were not actually “installed”, other than the few who happened to visit England.

Listed below are the Knights of the Garter during the whole period, including those, appointed by earlier sovereigns, who were still alive in 1485.